Help Identifying

[devmonkey]

Kenmore 400 washer and dryer model 6504400/6508400. Any ideas on the year these were made?

Thanks for the help!
-Jeff

 

[mixfinder]

The Era of Free Love

My guess is in the mid to late 60's.

 

[appnut]

I would say early 1960s like 1961 or 1962. The dryer lint trap door is not on top of the cabinet like typical Whirlpool produced dryers. I"m willing to bet you the lint screen is on the back of the dryer just like it was on the 1957 Frog Eye Kenmores. Also, the dryer door and handle on the door are reminiscent of same Frog Eye Dryer. Nice looking set for its age.

 

[devmonkey]

That's my guess too. I'm going to list these on craigs list for cheap. Was going to restore these (even though they're bottom of the line - just wash and dry type) but I've got too many projects. Just trying to find out a little more info on them.

 

[tomturbomatic]

The dryer also has a lower wattage heating element than more expensive models.

 

[devmonkey]

@appnut - they are in pretty nice condition considering the age. Haven't tested the dryer because I lack a three pronge in this house. The wash fills and starts to agitate but then flips the breaker so I'm assuming the motor needs rebuilding.

 

[devmonkey]

Took a look and I don't see a lint trap on the dryer at all. but the one on the washer looks brand new. I got these from a friend who inherited them a couple of years back but now in the new house (1956 - new to us), I've got nowhere to store them.

 

[akronman]

Kenmore PN

Seems to me that the start of the number, 65, is pretty darn exact. Kenmore and Whirlpool numbers were very year exact and simple from late 50's thru all the 60's

 

[devmonkey]

@akronman - That was my first thought too. then I read that the first three digits of the sears/kenmore were the manufactures code (651 would have been manufactured by speed queen).. 650? I can't find who that number refers to. Maybe it is the year. The design fits a low end mid 60's

Thanks for your help guys!

 

[akronman]

First Three digits

Yes, first three are mfg code as in 110.65xxxxx. On a Kenmore, that means 110=WP, 65=1965.

 

[devmonkey]

Ah. Now it makes sense. I ignored the 110 thinking it was the voltage rating.

Thanks Akronman - I'm going with 1965 - Now if i can convince my wife to let me keep them somewhere...

Thanks again everyone!
-j